Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, has ordered a mandatory and comprehensive psychological and mental health assessment for every police officer serving in the Abuja command, a landmark directive issued after an emergency meeting convened to address growing concerns over unprofessional conduct and to strengthen operational efficiency. The decision, announced on Thursday, April 30, 2026, marks one of the most significant welfare and disciplinary reforms initiated by a state police command in recent years, directly addressing the well‑being of officers who are routinely exposed to high‑stress situations that can impair judgment and lead to misconduct.
The directive, which will begin with junior officers on Monday, May 4, 2026, was issued following a high‑level emergency meeting at the command headquarters. The meeting brought together all area commanders, divisional police officers (DPOs), and heads of tactical units. According to a statement released by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the commissioner emphasised “the need for the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of policing duties” and strongly warned against all forms of misconduct capable of “bringing the image of the Nigeria Police Force and the FCT Command into disrepute”. Sanusi also reiterated the importance of strict adherence to extant human rights laws.
To operationalise the new policy, the commissioner directed the Command’s Medical Director, ACP (Dr.) Ifayase Olabanji Akinola, and the Police Counseling Unit to immediately commence a “comprehensive psychological and mental health assessment of all personnel of the command”. The exercise is designed to go beyond a mere checklist; it aims to evaluate officers’ emotional stability, sound judgment, and overall performance, both while on duty and in their personal lives. The official statement noted that the mental health screening is part of a broader strategy to strengthen discipline, improve welfare, and enhance the operational efficiency of the command.
The announcement comes at a time when the realities of modern policing are increasingly understood to take a heavy toll on officers’ mental health. Police personnel in the FCT frequently face armed criminals, manage volatile public protests, and respond to emergencies involving mass casualties or traumatic incidents. Exposure to such stressors over time can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and impaired judgment, which in turn can contribute to the very misconduct that the command is seeking to eliminate. Social media users commenting on the directive expressed cautious optimism, with many noting that “a stressed cop is a dangerous cop” and that “mental health checks in the police force should be a routine, not an exception.”
In addition to ordering the mental health assessment, CP Sanusi took the rare step of holding senior officers personally accountable for the conduct of their subordinates. He directed all senior officers to return to their respective areas of responsibility and immediately brief their personnel on the new directives. They were also ordered to submit detailed compliance reports to the command headquarters. Crucially, the commissioner cautioned that any senior officer whose subordinate is found engaging in misconduct will be held vicariously liable. This provision is designed to create a culture of responsibility up and down the chain of command, ensuring that supervisors pay close attention to the well‑being and professionalism of the officers under their supervision.
The mental health screening is not being implemented in isolation. The commissioner also issued a firm warning to all personnel, stating that professionalism must be the hallmark of the command. He stressed that officers must strictly adhere to human rights laws and treat members of the public with respect and dignity. The directive is a direct response to an increasing number of public complaints and viral videos highlighting unprofessional conduct by some police officers across the country. By addressing the root causes of such behaviour, the command hopes to reduce the incidence of police misconduct and rebuild public trust in the force.
The exercise is scheduled to be rolled out in phases, starting with junior officers. The involvement of the Police Counselling Unit suggests that the assessment will include not just screening but also follow‑up support mechanisms for officers who may be identified as needing psychological assistance. While the exact nature of the assessment tools has not been disclosed, sources indicate that the command is collaborating with mental health professionals to ensure the process is both clinically sound and respects the privacy of the officers. This is a significant departure from the traditional culture within the Nigeria Police Force, where seeking psychological help has often been stigmatised or viewed as a sign of weakness.
The directive has been widely welcomed by civil society groups and police reform advocates, who have long called for a more humane and psychologically informed approach to policing. However, some have also raised concerns about the implementation of the policy. Questions remain about whether the command has adequate numbers of licensed psychologists and counsellors to conduct the assessments for all personnel; whether officers will be truthful during the screening for fear of being redeployed or stigmatised; and what follow‑up care will be available for those found to be in distress. The command has not yet provided details on the budget allocated for the programme or the long‑term plan for maintaining mental health support beyond the initial assessment phase.
The FCT Police Command has also used the opportunity to remind residents of the Capital Territory to remain law‑abiding and to promptly report suspicious activities. The command published emergency lines — 08032003193 and 08061581938 — for residents to report suspicious persons or events to the nearest police station. This public communication is part of the command’s effort to improve community relations and to signal that it is taking concrete steps toward modern, professional policing.
CP Ahmed Sanusi’s order represents a significant shift in the approach to policing in the FCT. While the success of the initiative will depend on consistent implementation and adequate resources, the directive itself acknowledges an essential truth: that the mental health of police officers is inextricably linked to their ability to serve and protect the public. For a police force that has often been criticised for its brutality and high‑handedness, this move toward psychological assessment and accountability could be a turning point. Whether it will be sustained beyond the headlines remains to be seen, but for now, it signals a departure from the past and a tentative step toward a more professional, disciplined, and mentally resilient police command in the nation’s capital.
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